Latest news with #Devil'sDen
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Clown mask-wearing survivalist massacred family after breaking into home in horror spree before 4 month manhunt
A SADISTIC survivalist who killed an entire family after breaking into their home has been found dead after a four-month manhunt. Chilling TikTok videos of the mass murderer, posted in the weeks following the attack, showed him laughing maniacally at the camera while wearing a creepy clown mask. Advertisement 7 Chilling TikTok videos of the mass murderer showed him laughing maniacally at the camera while wearing a creepy clown mask Credit: TikTok / Istasia78 7 Alexander Meisner, a 61-year-old Kazakh national, massacred an entire German family including a teenager and his parents 7 Another video showed him stripped down to his underwear and pouring freezing buckets of ice water over his head Credit: TikTok / Istasia78 Alexander Meisner, a 61-year-old Kazakh national, massacred an entire German family including a teenager and his parents. Meisner, himself a dad-of-five and grandfather, entered the Schulze family home in the Rhineland village of Weitefeld in the early hours of April 6. He carried out the evil assault in the dead of night armed with a knife and a gun. Nadine Schulze, a 44-year-old employee of a local butcher, was able to call the police and scream for help down the phone as Meisner entered the house. Advertisement read more in horror stories 'SENSELESS TRAGEDY' College professor killed by masked gunman while visiting ex-wife's home Moments later, she was stabbed and shot dead by Meisner. Police quickly responded to the haunting call and rushed round to the house. They found Nadine's lifeless body alongside her 47-year-old husband Kai and Kilian, the couple's 16-year-old son. All three had suffered fatal injuries from gunshot and stab wounds. Advertisement Some of the family were reportedly found bound with cable ties. Meisner, now nicknamed the "Westerwald Killer" had already managed to escape the scene. Devil's Den 'killer' James Andrew McGann scowls in chilling mugshot after 'murdering 2' as it's confirmed he's a TEACHER He is believed to have fled through a window and quickly became the focus of an international manhunt when he was named as the lead suspect. Police had issued an arrest warrant along with a reward of up to €10,000 leading to his capture. Advertisement Interpol also confirmed that a Red Notice had been issued for his arrest after a request by German authorities. Then on April 26, nearly three weeks after the murders, several horrifying videos were shared of Meisner online. One showed the man maniacally laughing as he stared into the camera all as he wore a clown mask. Another posted the same day showed him stripped down to his underwear and pouring freezing buckets of ice water over his head. Advertisement Officials are still unsure if Meisner was behind the clips being posted onto TikTok or if they were posted on his behalf. This is due to his body being found less than 2,000ft away from the Schulze's home on August 5. 7 Nadine Schulze, 44, was able to call the police and scream for help down the phone but was tragically still killed by Meisner 7 Police stand outside the Schulze family home in the Rhineland village of Weitefeld Credit: Thomas Frey / Avalon Advertisement 7 The wanted poster for Meisner Credit: Koblenz Police Cops said the badly decomposed corpse was partially hidden in a underwater in a swampy farmland between Weitefeld and Neunkhausen in Altenkirchen. A firearm was also found next to his remains. Detectives said due to the body's condition it is nearly impossible to determine an exact cause of death or when Meisner actually died. Advertisement They are still investigating if he took his own life, died from his injuries during the killing spree or faced another grim demise. Meisner was a known criminal to police as he had previously spent time in jail for headbutting and stabbing his ex-wife. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison in 2011 after attempting to murder his ex-wife, Theresa. Meisner is said to have only stopped the attack after one of his sons stopped him from finding another knife. Advertisement Neighbours had also warned of the behaviour from Meisner in the years before the family massacre. Melanie Hoechtlen said she reported him for harassment in October 2023. She told Bild: "He ambushed my dog and me on the path. Then he came close and asked if he could lick me. "I reported him back then. He said he had been a lone fighter in his homeland of Kazakhstan and knew how to survive in the forest for weeks." Advertisement Police have announced they have ended their investigations into the murders now that Meisner's body has been found. Mario Mannweiler, senior public prosecutor, concluded: "The fact that the whereabouts of the suspected perpetrator remained unknown for months has troubled us. "The fact that the suspect is no longer alive was an obvious option for many reasons, but without a body, other options had to be pursued. In any case, I'm relieved that this has now come to an end." 7 Officials are still unsure if Meisner was behind the clips being posted onto TikTok or if they were posted on his behalf Credit: TikTok / Istasia78
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Clown mask-wearing survivalist massacred family after breaking into home in horror spree before 4 month manhunt
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SADISTIC survivalist who killed an entire family after breaking into their home has been found dead after a four-month manhunt. Chilling TikTok videos of the mass murderer, posted in the weeks following the attack, showed him laughing maniacally at the camera while wearing a creepy clown mask. 7 Chilling TikTok videos of the mass murderer showed him laughing maniacally at the camera while wearing a creepy clown mask Credit: TikTok / Istasia78 7 Alexander Meisner, a 61-year-old Kazakh national, massacred an entire German family including a teenager and his parents 7 Another video showed him stripped down to his underwear and pouring freezing buckets of ice water over his head Credit: TikTok / Istasia78 Alexander Meisner, a 61-year-old Kazakh national, massacred an entire German family including a teenager and his parents. Meisner, himself a dad-of-five and grandfather, entered the Schulze family home in the Rhineland village of Weitefeld in the early hours of April 6. He carried out the evil assault in the dead of night armed with a knife and a gun. Nadine Schulze, a 44-year-old employee of a local butcher, was able to call the police and scream for help down the phone as Meisner entered the house. read more in horror stories 'SENSELESS TRAGEDY' College professor killed by masked gunman while visiting ex-wife's home Moments later, she was stabbed and shot dead by Meisner. Police quickly responded to the haunting call and rushed round to the house. They found Nadine's lifeless body alongside her 47-year-old husband Kai and Kilian, the couple's 16-year-old son. All three had suffered fatal injuries from gunshot and stab wounds. Some of the family were reportedly found bound with cable ties. Meisner, now nicknamed the "Westerwald Killer" had already managed to escape the scene. Devil's Den 'killer' James Andrew McGann scowls in chilling mugshot after 'murdering 2' as it's confirmed he's a TEACHER He is believed to have fled through a window and quickly became the focus of an international manhunt when he was named as the lead suspect. Police had issued an arrest warrant along with a reward of up to €10,000 leading to his capture. Interpol also confirmed that a Red Notice had been issued for his arrest after a request by German authorities. Then on April 26, nearly three weeks after the murders, several horrifying videos were shared of Meisner online. One showed the man maniacally laughing as he stared into the camera all as he wore a clown mask. Another posted the same day showed him stripped down to his underwear and pouring freezing buckets of ice water over his head. Officials are still unsure if Meisner was behind the clips being posted onto TikTok or if they were posted on his behalf. This is due to his body being found less than 2,000ft away from the Schulze's home on August 5. 7 Nadine Schulze, 44, was able to call the police and scream for help down the phone but was tragically still killed by Meisner 7 Police stand outside the Schulze family home in the Rhineland village of Weitefeld Credit: Thomas Frey / Avalon 7 The wanted poster for Meisner Credit: Koblenz Police Cops said the badly decomposed corpse was partially hidden in a underwater in a swampy farmland between Weitefeld and Neunkhausen in Altenkirchen. A firearm was also found next to his remains. Detectives said due to the body's condition it is nearly impossible to determine an exact cause of death or when Meisner actually died. They are still investigating if he took his own life, died from his injuries during the killing spree or faced another grim demise. Meisner was a known criminal to police as he had previously spent time in jail for headbutting and stabbing his ex-wife. He was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison in 2011 after attempting to murder his ex-wife, Theresa. Meisner is said to have only stopped the attack after one of his sons stopped him from finding another knife. Neighbours had also warned of the behaviour from Meisner in the years before the family massacre. Melanie Hoechtlen said she reported him for harassment in October 2023. She told Bild: "He ambushed my dog and me on the path. Then he came close and asked if he could lick me. "I reported him back then. He said he had been a lone fighter in his homeland of Kazakhstan and knew how to survive in the forest for weeks." Police have announced they have ended their investigations into the murders now that Meisner's body has been found. Mario Mannweiler, senior public prosecutor, concluded: "The fact that the whereabouts of the suspected perpetrator remained unknown for months has troubled us. "The fact that the suspect is no longer alive was an obvious option for many reasons, but without a body, other options had to be pursued. In any case, I'm relieved that this has now come to an end."
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
California governor threatens to 'punch back' at Texas in heated redistricting battle and more top headlines
1. California governor threatens to 'punch back' at Texas in heated redistricting battle 2. Israeli official says 'decision has been made' on Gaza's future 3. DOJ launching grand jury investigation into Russiagate conspiracy allegations CLEARED TO TEACH – Accused Devil's Den killer passed background checks and entered classrooms full of kids. Continue reading … PARADISE BEHIND BARS – Fugitive murder suspect flaunted vodka, video games in cell before alleged killing spree. Continue reading … VIOLENT AFTERMATH – Cincinnati beatdown suspect arrested in Georgia as victim continues recovery. Continue reading … 'UNCERTAIN RECOVERY' – Wife speaks out after husband doused with gasoline in workplace assault. Continue reading … NO ESCAPE – Hikers rescued by helicopter from remote beach after rising tides cut off their only way out. Continue reading … -- AMERICA LAST – White House condemns 'despicable' comments from lawmakers at anti-US conference. Continue reading … SPACE RACE – Trump admin fast-tracks lunar nuclear project as rivals threaten 'keep-out zone.' Continue reading … TAXPAYER WATCHDOGS – DeSantis deploys DOGE teams to scrutinize spending in Broward and Gainesville governments. Continue reading … FOREIGN INVASION – Trump admin urged to tackle 'urgent threat' from illegal Chinese nicotine. Continue reading … 'HAUNTS ME' – Chuck Todd says Democrats' narrow losses have delayed needed debate on party direction. Continue reading … TRUST SHATTERED – Comedian who voted for Trump lashes out over 'flip-flopped' IVF campaign pledge. Continue reading … MEDIA SPAT – Radio host fires back after Trump calls him 'racist sleazebag' in heated exchange. Continue reading … DOWNWARD DECLINE – Democratic pride in America hits new low amid party's shift further left. Continue reading … SEN. TIM SCOTT – The secret behind Apollo 8's broadcast is a favorite story of Christian courage. Continue reading … WILLIAM SHIPLEY – What the Durham Annex tells us about the Russiagate hoax. Continue reading … -- VIRAL THREAT – Highly contagious disease surges in some U.S. states. Continue reading … SILENT KILLER – Deadly drug stronger than fentanyl spreads rapidly across the Americas, experts warn. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on boardwalk beginnings and meteoric magic. Take the quiz here … SUBURBAN VALUE – Northeast suburb beats out entire country for hottest housing market in 2025 ranking. Continue reading … BARNYARD BREAKOUT – Officers had a noisy runaway on their hands. See video … KRISTEN GAFFNEY – Dems are unhinged about Sydney Sweeney. See video … BO LOUDON – America is back thanks to President Trump. See video … Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for today's in-depth reporting on the news that impacts you. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading… Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Wednesday.
USA Today
6 days ago
- USA Today
Police arrest suspected gunman who shot at driver in Los Angeles nightclub crash
Police have arrested a man suspected of opening fire at the driver accused of plowing his vehicle into a crowd and injuring dozens of people outside a popular Los Angeles nightclub in July. Efrain Villalobos, 28, was arrested on Aug. 3 in Redondo Beach, a coastal city about 21 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. His arrest comes just days after police had identified Villalobos as the suspected gunman in the July 19 shooting. In the early hours of July 19, a vehicle crashed into a packed crowd, leaving the Vermont Hollywood nightclub in the busy neighborhood of East Hollywood. After the crash, police said bystanders pulled the driver out of the vehicle and attacked him. During the altercation, police said a man — later identified as Villalobos — approached the scene from across the street and shot the driver once in the lower back. The suspect then fled from the scene on foot and remained at large for about two weeks. Villalobos was booked on suspicion of attempted murder without bail, police said in an updated statement on Aug. 4. They did not provide additional details on his arrest but said the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. Devil's Den case: Details emerge in hiker deaths; school teacher charged with capital murder What happened in the East Hollywood car crash? The chaotic scene unfolded at about 2 a.m. local time on July 19 as a crowd of patrons left the Vermont Hollywood, according to police. The driver, who was identified as Fernando Ramirez, 29, had been kicked out of the nightclub before returning minutes later and ramming his vehicle into the crowd, police and prosecutors said. The car came to a stop after colliding with several food carts, which became lodged underneath the vehicle, according to police. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said 37 people were injured in the crash. Injuries ranged from "minor abrasions to serious fractures and lacerations to broken bones," and several victims were briefly trapped beneath the car, according to authorities. Ramirez was charged with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon, Hochman said. He faces multiple sentences of life in state prison if convicted on all counts. NYC shooting: 4 victims mourned; NYPD to search suspect's Las Vegas home Arrest follows extensive search Following the crash, police launched an extensive search for the man suspected of shooting Ramirez. On July 21, investigators asked for the public's help, releasing surveillance photos from cameras near the venue that showed the suspect wearing a blue Dodgers jacket, a light blue jersey with the number "5," and blue jeans. Authorities had warned the public that the suspect was considered armed and dangerous, and urged the public to contact police with any information that could lead to his arrest. "We understand the emotions involved, but when the threat had ended and the suspect was no longer actively harming others, the use of deadly force was both unlawful and dangerous to everybody present," Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at a July 22 news conference. On Aug. 1, police said the suspected gunman was identified as Villalobos, who was believed to be in the Redondo Beach area. He was described as a Hispanic man with a shaved head, brown eyes, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds. Police noted that Villalobos has "distinctive features," such as gauged piercings in both ears and multiple tattoos, including his last name on his right forearm, the phrase "respect is earned not given" on his inner right arm, and the name "Miabella" on his left inner arm. Los Angeles police said investigators were working with the Redondo Beach Police Department to locate Villalobos. Redondo Beach police arrested him at around 1:15 p.m. local time on Aug. 3, and Los Angeles investigators took the suspect into custody.
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Devil's Den ‘killer' Andrew James McGann's two barbershop requests that raised ‘red flags' minutes before his arrest
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE former teacher accused of killing a couple in front of their children on a rural hiking trail made two strange demands as he suddenly turned up at a barbershop before being arrested. Double homicide suspect Andrew James McGann, 28, still had his gown on as he was handcuffed and questioned by Arkansas investigators inside the salon, surveillance footage showed. 6 Surveillance footage showed the moment Andrew James McGann was arrested in a barbershop - four days after allegedly killing a couple in front of their kids Credit: X/WFLA 6 The arrest happened at Lupita's Beauty Salon in Springdale, Arkansas Credit: Google 6 The Brinks were hiking with their daughters on July 26 when they were allegedly attacked by Andrew McGann Credit: Facebook 6 The Brinks were found dead on a rural hiking trail in Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas Credit: AP McGann, who had just moved from Oklahoma to the Washington county area in Arkansas to start a new teaching role, was arrested on Wednesday inside Lupita's Beauty Salon in Springdale. His arrest ended a four-day manhunt in which authorities were searching for a cold-blooded killer who on July 26 allegedly fatally stabbed parents Clinton and Cristen Brink in an area of Devil's Den State Park, about 30 miles from Springdale. Arkansas investigators said that McGann first attacked Clinton as Cristen led their two young daughters, ages 7 and 9, to safety away from danger. Moments later, Cristen returned to help her husband, but was also stabbed to death by McGann, authorities said. On Wednesday afternoon, McGann turned up at Lupita's Beauty Salon, where hairstylist Adriana Ruiz Avalos noticed his black Kia Stinger pulling up to the shop's parking lot. Alejandra Ruiz, Adriana's sister and triplet who was also present at the time of the arrest, told The U.S. Sun her anxious sibling immediately looked out the window and attended McGann when he walked inside the salon. Ruiz said their suspicions were raised when McGann refused to sign a waiting list and instructed her sister to keep the top of his hair long. 'He refused to write his name on the waitlist that we have up on the front, which isn't mandatory, but that was kind of a red flag," Ruiz told The U.S. Sun. However, Ruiz said McGann's act wasn't enough to spark a major concern. 'It's kind of suspicious. Most customers do sign the waitlist at a minimum because we are walk-ins, but he refused," she added. Devil's Den 'killer' James Andrew McGann scowls in chilling mugshot after 'murdering 2' as it's confirmed he's a TEACHER "We didn't think much of it because we were busy at that time. So, we just sat him down." Surveillance footage from the salon showed the man believed to be McGann, who has his hands in his pants pockets, walking over to the barber's chair. The chair spins toward the mirror and he touches the top of his hair, explaining to the stylist what he wants. Ruiz claimed McGann asked the stylist to keep the top portion of his hair untouched. 'When he asked for the haircut he requested to leave the top long,' she added. 'That way he could keep covering his face, so she didn't really have a clear view.' Ruiz recalled how McGann appeared timid and kept trying to cover his face, looking downward. Statements from suspect's previous employers Before he was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, Andrew James McGann worked as an elementary school teacher. Below are statements from some of the schools he was hired by: Lewisville ISD Lewisville ISD is aware of the recent arrest of a former teacher who was employed at Donald Elementary during the 2022-23 school year. The individual was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism. An internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students. The teacher resigned from the district in May 2023. Our hearts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic situation. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting our school community during this time. As this is an ongoing law enforcement matter, any additional questions should be directed to the investigating agency. Broken Arrow Public Schools The man who was arrested in Arkansas for the murders at Devil's Den State Park was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 23/24 school year. He was a 5th grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary during the 23/24 school year and left of his own accord to work out of state. As with all employees hired by the district, he was subjected to and passed the legally required background checks prior to being hired. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence. Sand Springs Public Schools Sand Springs Public Schools is aware of the recent arrest of a former employee. Andrew McGann was employed at Sand Springs Public Schools from the summer of 2024 to May 2025. At the end of the 2024-25 school year, McGann resigned his position to move out of state. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Every employee undergoes a mandatory background check for the district when they are hired. Additionally, each teacher undergoes a background check for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. McGann passed all background checks. While SSPS has not yet been contacted by authorities regarding this matter, the district has and will always comply with requests from law enforcement in any investigation. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones who have suffered this tragic loss. Springdale Public Schools Springdale Public Schools can confirm that Andrew McGann was a teacher candidate hired for the upcoming school year, who has not yet begun employment with the district. This individual has not at any time come into contact with Springdale students or the families we serve. At this time, we cannot offer any additional information due to the ongoing investigation. At the appropriate time, additional information will be forthcoming. Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to the Brink family. Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers Ruiz said her sister was only minutes into cutting McGann's hair when detectives walked into the salon and asked who was the owner of the Kia Stinger parked outside. Detectives ordered the stylist to stop the haircut before they started to quiz McGain. 'They walked in, started taking pictures, and that's when they got him into custody,' Ruiz said. This is something that came in as a shocker. Nobody prepares you for things like this. Alejandra Ruiz. Ruiz told The U.S. Sun that her and her sister's suspicions about McGann were confirmed when investigators told them he is potentially connected to the Devil's Den double homicide case. "This is something that came in as a shocker. Nobody prepares you for things like this," she added. It just all happened so fast, but she [Adriana] did describe feeling scared and she decided to sweep up some of his hair and give it to detectives so if they needed it for evidence to help confirm that it was him. "It was just a bit confusing at first, but there's a little piece of mind knowing that there were authorities in here and once the detectives came and said that it was him that they were looking for we got a little bit of piece of mind, first and foremost. "It happened quickly but things could've gone worse, it could've gone south. We're thankful it didn't take a different route." Ruiz claimed that several barbershop and salon owners in the area told her that McGann had been trying to get a haircut for the past two days. "What I was told by other salons was that he had been trying to get haircuts for like two days now," she added. "But because most establishments in the area are by appointments only, I guess he decided to stop by here since we are walk-in." 6 Andrew McGann, seen scowling in a mugshot, admitted the killings, according to investigators Credit: AP 6 Family members said Cristen and Clinton Brink died heroes Credit: Jam Press 'SUNKEN EYES' Adriana Avalos, Ruiz's sister, told NewsNation that McGann had an eerie aura about him. Avalos described his eyes as 'very sunken' and admitted something didn't feel quite right. McGann had recently moved to Arkansas, having worked as a teacher at schools in Oklahoma and Texas, investigators said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon. A parent of one of McGann's former students in Texas described his personality as "cold." 'You could ask him a question, and he would give you a one-word response," Sierra Marcum, whose son was in McGann's 4th grade class at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, told the Associated Press. Investigators said McGann admitted to authorities that he killed the Brinks on the trail. McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder and could potentially face the death penalty. Authorities said McGann had no connection to the victims and the killings appeared to be a random act of violence. Timeline of the murders Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 43, were killed while hiking at Devil's Den State Park with their daughters. Below is a timeline of the case: July 16 - The Brink family has their water service turned on after recently moving to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, according to Mayor David Falk. July 26 - Clinton and Cristen are found dead on Devil's Den trail at around 2:30 pm after their two daughters ran to the visitor's center and said their parents were attacked. July 27 - Police release the identities of the slain couple. Cops ask park visitors to check their pictures and footage from Saturday for possible images of the suspect. July 28 - Arkansas State Police releases a sketch of a person of interest in the case. July 29 - ASP releases a picture from a witness of the person of interest in the case. July 30 - Andrew James McGann is arrested mid-haircut at Lupita's Beauty Salon and Barber Shop just before 5 pm A motive has not been established. Investigators revealed on Thursday that McGann suffered injuries during attack on the Brinks and that his DNA matched blood that was found at the crime scene. Additional evidence including additional knives were found at McGann's home in Springdale, authorities said. Clinton, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, had moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from South Dakota less than two weeks before their tragic killings. Prairie Grove officials said the couple had started their water service on July 16 - 10 days before their deaths. The Brinks two young daughters were not injured in the attacks. "They absolutely protected those girls to the fullest extent," investigators said of the couple on Thursday. The Brink family mourned their loved ones and said Cristen and Clinton died as heroes. "They will forever live on in all of our hearts," the families said.
